Orlando Pirates won't be entertaining any offers for Tshegofatso Mabasa at least for next season, the Siya crew has been reliably informed.
On his return from Moroka Swallows where he spent the first half of the season on loan, Mabasa has been rejuvenated and doing well for the Buccaneers. In the absence of leading striker Evidence Makgopa, Mabasa has taken over and doing the job up front much to the satisfaction of head coach Jose Riveiro, according to insiders.
The striker has scored three goals plus an assist in the Nedbank Cup as Pirates progressed to the quarterfinals, while his other assist was in the league as Bucs claimed the bragging rights in the Soweto derby with a 3-2 victory earlier this month.
The 27-year-old scored six goals for the Dube Birds before being re-called by the Houghton-based club. Having previously been sent on loan to Sekhukhune United last season, Ezimnyama feel that the player is now ready to compete for a starting berth in Riveiro's line-ups.
There has been interest in the forward from AmaZulu and Richards Bay FC among other potential suitors, but Pirates have other ideas as the club has already made a decision to exercise the option on his contract, according to sources.
"Tshegofatso Mabasa has impressed the coach at Pirates and the plan is to extend his contract. He is likely to get a chance to compete from the beginning of next season and could be one of the leading strikers for the team," said a source.
"His contract was going to end at the end of the season but the plan is to exercise the option on the deal. The option is for two years," the source added.
